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Within the country, trade unions continued to strengthen their inter trade union actions and succeeded in making their voice heard, not only on work-related issues but also on major socio-economic issues. However, public and private companies often fail to respect trade union rights.

TRADE UNION RIGHTS IN LAW

A 2008 amendment to the Labour Code brought some improvements to the trade union rights situation, and explicitly recognised the right to form and join trade unions. The new Labour Code also bans any trade union related dismissal. Although unions have the right to bargain collectively on wages and working conditions, the categories of public servants who enjoy this right have not yet been specified.

The new Labour Code recognises the right to take strike action, also to defend workers' material or moral interests. However, occupation of workplaces or their immediate surroundings is not permitted, and the government retains the right to requisition private and public sector workers to ensure a minimum service.

TRADE UNION RIGHTS IN PRACTICE AND VIOLATIONS IN 2010

Background: President Blaise Compaoré was re-elected on 21 November with 80% of the votes. Political opposition is non-existent and divided in this very poor country, fifty years on from independence.

No reinstatement for strikers unfairly punished: Trade union leaders and members of several public service trade unions arbitrarily dismissed or transferred in the last few years on account of their trade union activities have not as yet been reinstated. Several judgements in the unfairly dismissed strikers favour were not implemented.

Recurrent anti-union discrimination: The Labour Code has not prevented numerous employers from suppressing trade union activities, refusing, for example, the organisation of employee representative elections. This negative climate seems to discourage employees from putting themselves forward for election for fear of reprisals. Trade union delegates' rights are often flouted.